Residents of Murugan Nagar, Peelamedu, today went on a hunger strike today demanding that heavy vehicles carrying construction material to Peelamedu Railway construction site be diverted through Vilan Kurichi Road.

According to them, roads at Murugan Nagar that were laid just six months back have been damaged due to constant movement of heavy vehicles. “The roads were laid only six months ago. Due to the continuous vehicular movement they were damaged within months. The concerned department carried out repair works, but of no use. The roads are again in a bad shape now,” A. Natraj, a resident, said.

“We brought this to the notice of authorities in village office, State Highways Department, Corporation and even Peelamedu police station. But no action has been taken so far,” said Poovel Gopal, President of Murugan Nagar Residents Association said.

“We are not against development. We are just asking the authorities to divert the heavy vehicles through Vilan Kurichi Road, so that we are spared of pollution and damaged roads. There have been an increase in the number of accidents in our area. We are concerned about the safety of motorists. But officials are not listening to us. That is why we are all here – from eight-year-old to 62-year-old,” Natraj added.